Strategy 2025 – 2034:  defining priorities to deliver impact

EU-OSHA’s current strategy outlines its priorities for a decade and sets out three strategic lines of action with the following goals::

  1. Providing evidence and knowledge on current, new and emerging risks regarding their impact on safety and health and their prevention, to support policymaking and research.
  2. Promoting and facilitating the development of tools and resources to empower the Agency’s networks and partners to improve the prevention of occupational safety and health risks in the workplace.
  3. Driving awareness raising and networking actions to enable the Agency and its stakeholders to foster a positive risk prevention culture at work.

For more information, download EU-OSHA Strategy 2025-2034.

Planning for the upcoming years

Each year, EU-OSHA’s Executive Director prepares and the Management Board adopts a single programming document setting out the Agency’s three-year rolling programme. It sets clear priorities and aims to ensure that the Agency makes the best use of its resources and its network.  The single programming document  details the operational activities to be carried out and the objectives to be achieved in the years ahead.

To view work programmes/single programming documents for previous years, visit our publications page.

As world leaders gather in Davos, Switzerland to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the global economy, we invite you to listen to an insightful podcast from the International Labour Organization (ILO). In this episode, we dive into the ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025 (WESO Trends) report, which explores the impact of geopolitical tensions, climate change, artificial intelligence, and inequalities on global labor markets.Join Ekkehard Ernst, Chief of the Macro-economic Policies and Jobs Unit at the ILO, as he discusses opportunities in green and digital sectors, as well as the ongoing challenges in the world of work, including informality, exclusion, and the precarious situation of young people, particularly in low-income countries.

 

Don’t miss out on this important conversation—listen now!

Risks such as heightened surveillance, privacy concerns or time pressure linked to algorithmic and AI-based worker management (AIWM) systems can lead to worker stress, social isolation and blurred work-life boundaries. Worker participation can help in identifying, preventing and mitigating psychosocial risks derived from the use of AIWM, according to our new report.

Keep reading here

 

Maintaining workplace facilities is about more than just fixing visible problems—it’s a proactive way to ensure a safe, healthy, and efficient environment for employees. Unaddressed issues, such as hidden structural vulnerabilities, electrical hazards, or even pest infestations, can have serious consequences for both employee well-being and business operations.

Modern workplaces, particularly those in older or converted buildings, often face hidden risks that are easy to overlook. For instance, rodents can enter through small openings, causing significant damage to wiring, insulation, and structural elements. These pests also pose health risks by introducing diseases and contaminants into the workspace.

To combat these challenges, implementing Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) is a key strategy. Regular inspections throughout the year help identify potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs or safety hazards. By checking areas like roof spaces, ventilation systems, and utility connections, businesses can mitigate risks and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Seasonal maintenance is equally important. Winter weather can lead to frozen pipes, unstable roof tiles, and heating inefficiencies, which may create additional risks, including damp, mold, and structural damage. Addressing these concerns proactively helps maintain a comfortable and safe environment for employees, even in extreme conditions.

Incorporating a comprehensive maintenance plan not only safeguards physical infrastructure but also boosts employee morale and productivity. A well-maintained workplace demonstrates a commitment to health and safety, reduces unexpected downtime, and avoids expensive emergency repairs.

By staying vigilant and prioritizing regular upkeep, businesses can protect their assets, minimize risks, and foster a work environment where employees thrive.

 

Julia Flintrop, Project Manager at EU-OSHA, discussed the impact of working conditions on workers’ mental health during an interview with Spanish national radio RNE’s international channel.

During the interview, she addressed key challenges such as psychosocial risks, mental health and wellbeing, and specific issues regarding the concept of burnout, as well as strategies to prevent and manage them.

Listen to the interview (in English)

Summary: 

The ILO article on wage statistics explores how working conditions and wages significantly impact workers’ quality of life. It emphasizes that employment alone does not guarantee a decent living without adequate working conditions and fair remuneration. Monitoring wage trends provides crucial insights into whether workers benefit from productivity gains.

Key Points:

  1. Introduction: Access to employment must be paired with quality working conditions, including sufficient wages to ensure a decent standard of living.
  2. Importance of Equal Pay: Disaggregated data is essential to assess adherence to the principle of equal pay for work of equal value.
  3. Available Resources:
    • Indicators on wages by gender, age, education, and other factors.
    • Databases such as COND and ILOSDG.
  4. Relevant Publications: Methodological documents and practical guides for measuring and analyzing labor statistics related to SDGs.
  5. Methodology: Tools and methods to collect and analyze wage and working condition data, based on international standards.

Relevance: These statistics are vital for policymakers aiming to promote decent work, reduce inequalities, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Continue reading here

Half of EU farmers and farm workers endure high workloads and long hours that regularly exceed 48 hours per week. They often work in isolated rural areas and face the need for constant availability without time off. These and other psychosocial risk factors can lead to high rates of stress, anxiety, and depression. Statistically there are higher suicide rates in this sector compared to other occupations.

The new EU-OSHA report explores how exposure to psychosocial risks affects farmers and farm workers, outlines initiatives to protect their mental health and increase awareness on this topic in agriculture.

Learn more about how to safeguard mental health and manage psychosocial risks in agriculture in the full report.

 

Read more about the topic in our dedicated sectionPsychosocial risks and mental health at work.